Spider Lair is an Atlantean Classical Age god power in Age of Mythology: The Titans that is available to worshipers of Leto. When invoked, four spider eggs are placed in a random pattern. The eggs quickly hatch and burrow into the ground.
Spider Lair can be invoked three times in a game, providing a total of 12 spiders, but has a cooldown of five minutes.
Spider egg[]
Spider eggs are spawned by the Spider Lair god power. Once invoked, the eggs are visible and vulnerable to enemies until they hatch. Once an egg hatches, the Spider hides underground hidden from enemies, and if any enemy human unit (other than Villager-type units) or Animal of Set approaches, the Spider emerges from the ground, dragging and killing the screaming unit, and vanishes.
Its help menu mentions food and gold costs, which are not applicable, as the only way to produce them is via a god power. The menu also mentions it has a bonus against infantry, which is again not applicable, as it instantly kills the target.
Strategy[]
The spider eggs cannot be seen by enemies unless activated. When an enemy soldier gets too close to the burrow, a cloud of dust shoots in the air, giving the unit 1 second to react (0.5 seconds in the Extended Edition), then the spider comes out and drags the unfortunate soldier under, killing it instantly. After making a kill, the spider disappears. Cavalry units are less vulnerable as their speed may enable to get out of range before the spider can emerge (War Elephants are not as lucky). Spider Lair is just as deadly against Set players who try to raid with Animals of Set as the latter are also vulnerable to the spiders.
Spider Lair is useful in thinning out enemy forces. However, it must be timed right because the eggs are vulnerable to attack and require 10 seconds before they hatch (5 seconds in the Extended Edition). The spiders will not attack Heroes, myth units, or villagers. Spider Lair should be invoked in an area where an enemy army is likely to pass through. Potential locations include a narrow pass, around an important building, or near a Gold Mine where raiders may come to attack the player's Citizens. Players must also remember where they placed their spiders as constructing buildings on top of them will cause them to disappear automatically.
Mythology[]
| “ | Scientific name -- Gravex latibulis Size -- 4-5' in diameter Diet -- Vertebrates This lurking spider hides in its burrow until an unsuspecting passerby walks near. The waiting spider leaps, lightning quick, upon its prey, dragging the victim back into its burrow to devour. After feeding these spiders are much less aggressive, though, 'much less aggressive' is only relative and these spiders remain very dangerous to approach. | ” |
Trivia[]
- Although the icon shows a Black Widow Spider, the Spider Lair spiders are likely inspired on the Ctenizidae (a family of trapdoor spiders).
- In build 2.6.1155148 of the Extended Edition, when the Spider Lair is triggered on the Sudden Death map, a bug causes the player to inexplicably lose as if they had no Town Center.
- If a Guardian or Living Poseidon Statue walks over a Spider Lair, they will trigger the trap and become unable to move or attack.
Gallery[]
